Tuesday 19 November 2013

Swiss business delegation visits Myanmar

YANGON—A Swiss business delegation arrived here today for a two-day visit to Myanmar, according to Corinne Henchoz Pignani, counselor and head of political and economic affairs at the Embassy of Switzerland.

The delegation representing Swiss companies, headed by Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch, Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs, will be in Myanmar until Wednesday.

In Yangon, the delegation will have an opportunity to meet Myanmar business people and reflect on the challenges of conducting business in a socially responsible manner. A panel discussion on this topic will be held at the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI), the Swiss Embassy said in a statement.

The delegation programme also includes an exchange of views with Swiss companies already established in Myanmar, and factory visits, in order to allow the delegation to get a better understanding of socioeconomic realities of Myanmar. The delegation will also meet with international organizations currently working in Myanmar.

The delegation will visit Nay Pyi Taw tomorrow to hold a first round of “dialogue” on economic, investment, labour and trade matters with the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development. In January this year, on the margins of the World Economic Forum, Switzerland and Myanmar signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing such a dialogue.

As provided by the MoU, the dialogue will cover issues related to market access, barriers to trade, investments, government procurement, infrastructures, labour rights, corporate social responsibility and sustainable economic development.

The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) is the Swiss federal government’s centre of expertise for all issues relating to economic policy. SECO acts as an interface between business, social partners and government. It supports the regionally and structurally balanced development of the economy and ensures the protection of employees. SECO also helps to ensure access to all markets for Swiss goods and services and investment. In terms of foreign trade policy, SECO is active in formulating efficient, fair and transparent rules for the world economy. The Economic Cooperation and Development Division within SECO is responsible for the planning and implementation of economic cooperation and development activities with selected priority countries.

The opening of the Swiss embassy in November last year was a milestone in relations between Myanmar and Switzerland—a tangible sign of Switzerland’s willingness to intensify its bilateral relations with Myanmar. Besides pursuing its longstanding humanitarian activities, Switzerland will expand its activities in the fields of development cooperation and peace building.

Switzerland has committed to supporting and strengthening Myanmar’s recent reforms towards the rule of law and democracy. For instance, the European country will continue to build schools and health posts in conflict areas in southeast Myanmar, support returning displaced persons and refugees in their reintegration, assist impoverished farmers in accessing better livelihoods, and accompany peace processes.

Apart from consolidating and strengthening this political and developmental framework, the Embassy assists the Swiss economy in observing Myanmar’s domestic market development closely and helps the Swiss private sector identify business opportunities.

source: Eleven Myanmar

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